New Showroom Explores ‘Other Room’ Options

by Anita Shaw On Oct 16, 2006

Bel Air, MD—
While bigger doesn’t always mean better, more square footage translated into more design options for the staff at Reico Kitchen & Bath.
The company’s new, 6,000-sq.-ft. showroom on Baltimore Pike in Bel Air, MD, which replaces its previous showroom located on Main Street, is three times the size of the former facility, showcasing 20 full-room displays and vignettes.

While kitchens and baths remain the central focus of the new showroom, additional space has allowed for displays that highlight the use of “kitchen” products – such as cabinetry and countertops – in other areas of the home, including home offices, entertainment centers, laundry rooms and outdoor grilling centers.

“The Reico Design Team did an outstanding job of creating uses for cabinetry in other areas of the home that people would never think of,” notes Laura Saddler, Reico Kitchen and Bath division manager/Maryland and Delaware locations.

Cabinetry featured within the showroom includes a range of styles, wood species and finishes from companies such as Merillat, Woodharbor Doors & Cabinetry, UltraCraft Cabinetry, Masterpiece and Custom Wood Products. Complementing the cabinets throughout are Silestone by Cosentino USA, Caesarstone, Wilsonart Gibraltar, granite, concrete, soapstone and laminate countertops; Rohl faucets, and sinks and faucets from Moen and KWC America. Appliances from Dacor, Miele and U-Line also help set the stage. Each room and vignette has been carefully accessorized, with attention paid to distinctive floor and wall treatments and unique decorative items, according to Reico.

Service and Education

The new showroom, which is one of 20 locations the company operates in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia, is open to members of the trade as well as consumers.

“We have products that fit each segment, and designers and salespeople who specialize in working with each customer segment,” explains Saddler.
A branch manager oversees the operation, while company business managers focus on the trade business and kitchen designers work with retail customers and contractors. The facility also has four project coordinators.

Designers at Reico use a CAD program specific to kitchen design, says Saddler. “Our CAD program is very flexible, and allows us to create most any design.” She adds that there are times when hand drawings must be done, and the creative team is always available to take care of those needs.

A call center that can help clients with the next step is also available, “and includes a live chat,” comments Saddler.

Customers can also turn to Reico’s seminars and other educational opportunities to learn more about the design process.

Do-it-yourself seminars are held four times a year, including two scheduled for this fall. The seminars offer tips for maximizing kitchen space, information about the latest products and trends, hints for avoiding common pitfalls and pros and cons of a job.

Vendors also provide expertise, with live Miele and Dacor appliance seminars scheduled throughout the fall and into 2007.

Cooking demonstrations are also part of showroom schedule.

For contractors and builders, training seminars on Merillat’s Model Behavior study will be a key feature for the showroom. This seminar focuses on Merillat’s two-part research study to understand new-home shoppers’ preferences when shopping for a house.

“For builders, the seminar can provide information that can help them sell more homes at higher margins, strengthen homeowner satisfaction ratings and differentiate their homes from their competition,” company management concludes.